Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-546-7330
| ||||||||
| 
| 
| 
| |||||
| ||||||||
By the beginning of the third year it was decided to form a parent's club, which would meet once a month to talk over the vital interests of the preschool. It was during these meetings that the idea of scheduled mothers to assist in the center was started. Prior to this decision, mothers took turns in volunteering their help. By now, however, the school was running on a program of four mornings a week, and the need for consistent scheduling was apparent. Materials and equipment were purchased from the dues, which started the first year at the rate of 25 cents a morning for each child.
For five years the school was at the Franklin Park Clubhouse from 10 A.M. until noon with the groups divided according to age. Mothers took turns serving hot soup and crackers to the children so that they might learn the pleasure of eating and socializing together.
These first "graduates" thrived and went on to kindergarten with a minimum of problems, and the parents were pleased knowing their children's first experience in school had been successful.
From the first five years of experimentation, came the organization such as in the present school, with its elected officers and regular business meetings. A permanent director teacher was employed.
As the enrollment grew, the need for a permanent building also grew. The present building was made possible by donated time and materials from both families and friends of the center. These people definitely believed that young children needed a school of their own to freely learn to use their natural talents, and to mingle with other children before entering the formal school program.
The new building was completed in 1959 and the school opened with a five-morning schedule and an enrollment of 35 children divided into age groups. The purpose of establishing the school remained the same: a supervised preschool giving children an opportunity to express themselves as individuals. Tuition was set at $4 per month for the older class, and $3 for the younger class. The afternoon session was later added to provide more children the opportunity to attend and enjoy the school.
The original school grew out of the neighborhood families, almost a "walk-in". Now we are from all sections of Santa Rosa, and that which started with four outward looking mothers is almost a legend.
The cooperative school recognizes that parents are the primary educators of their children. It encourages mothers and fathers to share their interests and talents in the classroom, on a Board of Directors, or on committees. These direct parental efforts and involvement make the cooperative a unique educational opportunity. The children grow in mind, body and spirit as they are nurtured with acceptance and kindness by teachers and other parents. Activities include art, music and movement, science, language arts, fine motor play, dramatic play and outdoor play as part of a planned curriculum that the community of teachers and parents deem developmentally appropriate.
Parent education is stressed in co-op preschools so that both children and parents receive the best education possible. Communication with teachers and other parents, along with helping in the classroom and observing children as they play, learn, and grow, gives parents and children the best education possible.
Franklin Park Co-op is based on a parent model cooperative. This type of cooperative is run utilizing the parents as employees and board members. The parents work with the staff of professional teachers in the classroom and in other areas such as, fundraising, cleaning, and maintenance.
Being a co-op member requires an extra bit of time and commitment. In return, families reap the rewards of a high-quality preschool, lower tuition, parenting support and long lasting friendships. For parents, it's a place to improve parenting skills and a chance to help shape your child's first school environment. And for the children, it provides a safe and nurturing place where they can explore and have fun.
For more information on cooperative preschools, check out these websites:
Participation Requirements:
As a participating family of Franklin Park Co-op Preschool you will be required to fulfill
certain responsiblities and duties as part of our program. These duties ensure the quality
of our program and keep our tuition reasonable.
Work days:
At least three working parents are scheduled in each class per session. Each participating
parent is required to work once every two weeks for the 4-year-old class and once every three
weeks for the 3-year-old class (equivalent to once every six class days).
Monthly Meetings:
All parents are required to attend our General Membership Meeting held the first Monday of
the month at our preschool from 7pm to 9pm.
Saturday Clean up:
At the beginning of the school year you are assigned and required to work one weekend day
clean-up during the school year. Clean-up days are scheduled for every Saturday throughout the
school year and generally take three hours to complete.
Fund Raising:
Each family is asked to participate in annual fund raising activites. These activities raise
the money needed to fund classroom enrichment projects, safety programs for the kids, and other
activities throughout the year.
For more information on our fundraising, see our Fund Raising section.
Enrollment:
Franklin Park enrolls new students based on space availability and receipt of a registration packet. To
receive a registration packet, please email our membership contact:
Debbie "Squirl" Booth or call (707) 546-7330. In the case of limited spots for enrollment, we
maintain a waiting list in the order of contact. To enroll to begin in the Fall of each year, please
contact the school prior to April of that calendar year. We begin accepting registration packages for
new 3's program students at our annual open house, normally held at the end of April. We accept new
students as availability allows throughout the year.
Age Requirement For Children:
This shall be based upon current California State age requirements for kindergarten enrollment. Currently,
they are as follows:
| 3-year-old class | Child must be 3 years old on or before December 2nd |
| 4-year-old class | Child must be 4 years old on or before December 2nd |
Our Programs:
Our program consists of two age/group classes, each divided into an afternoon and morning
session. The 3's program attends Tuesday and Thursday. The 4's program attends Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday. The morning program runs from 9:00-11:30 AM. The afternoon program
runs from 12:00-2:30 PM.
Membership & Tuition Costs:
An annual registration fee will be charged for each student enrolling in Franklin Park Co-op
Preschool.
This registration fee is currently $55.00 and should be included with your registration packet.
There shall be monthly dues per child as determined by the membership. Tuition is maintained at a low rate because of your participation. The tuition is figured on a yearly basis and prorated over the months of the school year. No refunds are given for vacations, sick days, absences, holiday periods, or days when the school closes due to an emergency. No tuition is paid in June, July, or August.
Tuition is due and payable to the Class Representative at each month's General Membership Meeting.
Monthly Tuition (as of the 2008-09 school year)
| 3-year-old class | $115 per month (two days a week) |
| 4-year-old class | $140 per month (three days a week) |
We are located at: 2095 Franklin Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Our school is located on the grounds of Franklin Park, a city maintained community park. We have our own fenced play yard for the children, complete with sandbox and play structure. We have recently installed new flooring, cabinets, lighting, and AC/heater.
 | Debbie "Squirl"
Booth -
Director / Teacher
Squirl joined us in 2007 as our Director/3's Teacher. Debbie has been known as "Squirl" since the age of 4. Squirl has over 25 years of early childhood education. 14 years as a preschool director and the rest teaching children from infants to school age. She have also been a trainer for the last 8 years in a wide range of ECE topics. |
 | Sasha Allen -
Teacher
Sasha joined us in 2007 as the 4's teacher. Sasha has over seven years experience working with pre–school aged children. She is qualified to work with special needs children and has an education in early childhood developement. |
| Elizabeth E. Nern (President) | Melanie Sanders (Membership) |
| Kate Gillespie (Vice President) | Melanie Sanders (Scheduler) |
| Kim Valerga (Treasurer) | Sara Ysunza (PR/Advertising) |
| Katie Gonzalez (Secretary) | Pat Driver (Maintenance) |
| Rebecca Lucido & Jen Paterson (Fundraiser Coordinator) | TBD (Webmaster) |
| Megan Williams (3 AM Class) | Sandy Champie (3 PM Class) |
| Amy Godoy (4 AM Class) | Suzanne Gold (4 PM Class) |
(707) 546-7330
Email the appropriate persons at the following:
